The construction of a new replacement school in northern Yeovil is set to be completed by summer 2027, following the approval of amended plans.
Milford Junior School, originally built in the early 1950s on Glenthorne Avenue, north of Yeovil town centre, serves 420 pupils. In August 2022, the site was closed indefinitely due to structural issues detected in the existing buildings. Students have since been taught in temporary classrooms located on nearby playing fields, with most of the original buildings demolished in January 2023.
The Department for Education (DfE) secured planning permission from Somerset Council in August 2025 to demolish the remaining buildings and construct a new school on the existing site. Construction firm Tilbury Douglas commenced work in late October 2025.
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Property consultants Carter Jonas confirmed that, following the approval of amended proposals, the school will be operational by summer 2027. The new two-storey building will be situated opposite Milford Infants School and is part of the Yeovil Area Community Academy Trust, which also oversees Huish Primary School and Primrose Lane Primary School nearby.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the new Milford Junior School will be net zero carbon in operation. It will feature solar panels, a ground-source heat pump, and a green roof designed to retain heat. Additional amenities include a new multi-use games area (MUGA), upgraded playing fields, and dedicated parking facilities.
The recent amendments to the plans have enhanced cycle parking provisions and increased the biodiversity net gain delivered through the project’s construction phase.
Willow Mercer, Associate in Planning and Development at Carter Jonas Bristol, stated, “Securing planning consent for this vital educational facility marks a key milestone. Pupils will transition from temporary accommodations to a purpose-built, sustainable school that will serve the community for generations.”
Paul Gale, South West Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas, added, “Our commitment is to deliver a school that embodies the highest standards of sustainable design and community inclusion. The net-zero carbon strategy, combined with enhanced biodiversity features and community facilities, will provide an outstanding educational environment for both pupils and the wider Yeovil community.”
The project is expected to reach completion by early summer 2027, enabling the new school intake in September of that year to benefit fully from the modern facilities.